Interchange – November 2025

District 4 works within its borders, but without boundaries

unique place in his heart. The Black Hills are unlike anywhere else in Wyoming. While they contain the state’s lowest elevation, they rise like an island in the plains, gathering a significant amount of snowfall each year. The Sundance area receives the highest average yearly snowfall of any section of interstate in Wyoming, yet is fortunate to be spared some of the relentless winds that batter other corridors.

By Laura Dalles

It’s been said Wyoming is one big town with many long streets, that the roads are paved in brown and gold, and the sunrises and sunsets are enjoyed by many, where the steamboat emblem is seen on almost everything and the number 307 is not just an area code.

If one were to break our state into a puzzle the number of misshaped pieces could vary from thousands to five. For the Wyoming Department of Transportation there are five very distinguishable pieces – known as districts. And within the district there are additional pieces that complete the puzzle.

One of those larger pieces is District 4. The unique northeast corner of the state takes you from the Black Hills to the Big Horns, from the grasslands to the oil fields and coal mines, and all places in between. With more than 270 bridges, 500-plus structures, 7,500 culverts, 150 miles of guardrail, 12,800 signs and over 2,000 miles of fence line, District 4 WYDOT employees take pride in working together to build, maintain and patrol over 3,300 lane miles of roads in our little corner of the state.

Three distinct ‘pieces’

East – where the hills meet the plains

Nestled in the Black Hills, crews in Hulett, Sundance and Newcastle are small but mighty. They are the guardians of just over 1,000 lane miles of highway weaving through the eastern corner of the district.

For Sundance maintenance foreman Rusty Speidel, District 4 stands out for many reasons, but the Sundance area holds a

The distinctive landscapes of the Black Hills draw tourists to the Hulett area, most notably those who seek a close encounter while visiting Devil’s Tower. This seasonal increase in traffic comes in many forms, but during two weeks in the summer months, motorcycles are everywhere. The Hulett crew spends a considerable amount of time preparing for the influx of motorcycle traffic in late July and early August in correlation to the annual Sturgis Rally in South Dakota. This past August, over 5,000 motorcycles embarked on the Hulett area to participate in Alzada Days and Wyoming Wednesday. In preparation, District 4 has a very detailed event management traffic plan they review and implement yearly with the focus of enhancing the safety and efficiency of all the routes within the area. The plan establishes protocol for conveying awareness of the increase in tourism and motorcycle traffic during the Sturgis Motorcycle rally. Portable digital messaging signs are strategically located on US Highway 14, Wyoming Highway 212, Wyoming Highway 110, Wyoming Highway 112 and Interstate 90 reminding motorists to watch out

A recent reconstruction of a railroad bridge on the US 16 Bypass was recently completed by the Newcastle construction crew.

Photo: WYDOT

Construction Staff Tech Justin White and Sheridan Project Engineer Wes Oellerich collect data points to confirm slope grade as contractors work on cutting benches into a slide location on I-90.

Photo: WYDOT

November 2025 Vol. 53, Issue 11

Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents.

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to Carlie Dakins, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.

Staff

WYDOT Director

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee Editor

Carlie Dakins

Contributors

Megan Arias Public Affairs

Carlie Dakins Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Jordan Young Public Affairs

Jaxon Penfield District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/ wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.

District 4 continued from front cover for each other.

Sundance construction continues to work on improving long stretches of I-90 and associated bridge decks east of Sundance and will head west this next year working a section on I-90 near Inyan Kara, a Lakota sacred place meaning “rock gatherer or stone maker”. Meeting the mission without a resident engineer, this crew continues to show up and assure all work is completed at the highest standards.

Newcastle crews sit within the Black Hills Scenic Byway, where the hills meet the plains. The quiet-neighborhood and pass-through community has recently seen an increase in heavy truck traffic hauling frac sands and rare earth minerals to fields south of Upton. This heavy truck traffic is starting to wear down Wyoming Highway 116. Sections of this route are currently in the State Transportation Improvement Plan to be addressed with yearly maintenance patching and seasonal reduced speed limits to help hold the road until it can be rehabilitated when the Newcastle construction crew can step in. This three-man construction crew, also meeting the mission without a resident engineer, continues to meet the construction demands of the STIP for

Fun Fact: I-25 is the only interstate that starts at a US border and ends mid-state.

this area. They have recently completed several mill and overlays on US Highway 85 and Wyoming Highway 585, as well as a challenging railroad bridge rehabilitation project, and now crews are ramping up for a major bridge project in 2026. This team’s combined years of experience, knowledge and dedication to the brand and all things construction helps them to meet the demand and quality standards.

Central – supporting industry

Known as the energy capital of the world, crews in Gillette, Moorcroft and Reno Junction are in a unique position. These crews play a key role in assuring all routes in and around the dozen coal mines and numerous oil fields scattered throughout the area have connectivity to key distribution hubs, as well as support shift changes regardless of weather conditions. Wyoming Highway 59 between Gillette and Douglas reports an average of 5,500 vehicles per day utilizing this two-lane highway – 900 of those vehicles are heavy trucks traveling to and from the mines and oil fields.

The Gillette crew, being the largest crew within WYDOT with 14 maintainers, has oversight of more than 645 lane miles. With the aid of seven crew members in Moorcroft and another five in Reno Junction, these routes carry a heavy burden of meeting high traffic volumes, challenging winter weather, and political and industry demands. They do so with varying levels of experience. Gillette area maintenance supervisor Chris Schneider has been working to narrow that gap. Under the guidance of his experienced staff, Schneider is confident in his six new snowplow operators, all who will be learning on the job. He will be focused on balancing the training needs of the operators while meeting the operational coverage the area demands.

US 14 through the Elk Fire as fog sits at the base of the Bighorns.

Photo: WYDOT

Fire retardant covers guardrail damaged as a result of the Elk fire. Several thousand feet of guardrail on US 14 was damaged in the fire, and D4 crews worked quickly to repair it all.

Photo: WYDOT

Hoarfrost clinging to a delineator.

Photo: Rusty Speidel/WYDOT

If you travel often in Campbell County, you will likely encounter a bridge project. This is because more than 80 of the 270 bridges in the District are located there. With most of those bridges located on I-90 and built in the 80s, the bridge decks have met their original life expectancy and are slowly being rehabilitated. Between bridge rehab projects, passing lanes on WYO 59 and mill and overlays throughout, the Gillette construction crew has a full plate – and is up for the task. Gillette Resident Engineer Josh Jundt’s crew has a combined 90-plus years of experience, with three techs who have over 30 years with WYDOT. This allows him to step away from local projects and offer guidance to the Newcastle and Sundance crews while they seek out resident engineers. This ask is a huge demand of his time and is greatly appreciated. West – the face of the mountain

Tucked up to the base of the Bighorns, Sheridan and Buffalo have oversight of two interstate systems that intersect in Buffalo – in addition to two mountain passes. These two crews cover 112 lane miles of Interstate 25 and 384 lane miles of I-90.

In addition to the interstate system, there are a number of secondary highways – most notably the mountain passes of US Highway 14, US 14A, and US Highway 16 – that are maintained by our two mountain camps: Pole Creek on US 16, with a crew of three, is the smallest of WYDOT crews with 73 lane miles to cover. Then there’s Burgess Junction with a crew of four on US 14/14A. While both US 16 and 14 stay open year-round, US 14A, one of WYDOT’s three mountain passes with seasonal closures, is maintained from the end of May through the end of November. The BuJu crew spends a large portion of May utilizing various types of equipment to remove accumulated snow from the roadway. In some areas they encounter up to 10-foot drifts. The highlight of May is when the D4 crew meets up with the D5 crew at the county line. The aim is to open by Memorial Day weekend, and that’s typically accomplished, although there have been times when a late spring storm will drift portions back in and result in short closures.

Coming together – one WYDOT, one District

As Pole Creek camp foreman Chuck Thompson states, “We have great people,

as demonstrated by the way our crews pull together to accomplish tasks.”

“Case in point the fires last year that caused so much damage,” he added. “We had the entire District represented out there building fences in horrible conditions at times.”

The summer of 2024 was not only one of the hottest and driest on record, but a rather expensive one. August and September brought two significant fires to the District at the cost of over $1.3 million in repairs to fence lines, guardrail, signage and residual damages.

The Horse Draw Fire consumed more than 14 miles of fence along I-90 east of Buffalo. Crews from throughout the District came together to work in 100-degree-plus temps. With the strong winds blowing thick ash and creating limited visibility, one would have thought they were in a scene from the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. No one complained, no one no-showed – in fact, crews from other programs stepped up to assist to help with the burden. A true example of teamwork, dedication, loyalty, and integrity.

The Elk Fire brought with it a monthlong road closure. While fire crews worked tirelessly chasing intense flames across Sheridan County’s backyard, WYDOT maintenance and sign crews assessed the damage to the stretch of US 14 damaged by the fire, identifying damaged guardrail and signs and implementing a plan for repairs that could be accomplished during the closure.

I-90 eastbound lane that will be rectified with the realignment of approximately four miles of interstate when the I-90 Montana State Line project picks back up in 2026.

Embankment Instability – AKA Landslides

A common occurrence in Sheridan County, a slope failure happens when the underlying soils, commonly clay, become overly saturated, lose their ‘sticky’ factor, and give way to gravitational pull. Most of these clays are sitting on a shale base, offering little to no resistance for the clay to adhere to. The soil becomes too heavy and follows the path of least resistance, falling away from the slope. With approximately 50 active or imminent slides, mostly in Sheridan County, both maintenance and construction keep a constant lookout, knowing it’s not if, but when they will need to mitigate.

Speaking of mitigating, Sheridan Construction has repaired seven slides in

Drone footage of the I-90 Montana State Line project, where a bridge is being replaced with a box culvert. Three slide repair locations are seen in the background.

Photo: WYDOT

the area over the past seven years. Five of those were located on the I-90 Montana State Line project off the shoulder of the westbound lane between mile markers 0 and 6. Next season’s scope will include a realignment of the eastbound lane to mitigate several larger slides that have encroached onto the shoulder for years.

Over the past four years, Buffalo and Sheridan construction crews have completed two main street rehabilitation projects that have strained the local downtowns, impacting access to businesses and reducing the ease of navigating through these communities. Focusing on minimizing those impacts, assuring sidewalk access to all businesses was always available, and moving traffic effectively and efficiently through closures and detours with minimal delays, helped make these two projects successful. Continual messaging to the public and engaging with business owners with weekly updates proved to be key and offered full transparency.

A bird’s eye view

The addition of drone usage has proved itself to be a key asset to District operations. Drone pilot and construction staff tech, Justin White, has utilized the drone for a multitude of tasks. Using the drone has proven to be a resource that saves the District time, improves safety, and aids in accuracy of measuring quantities of material on construction projects, salt/sand piles and other stockpiles. What used to take up to a week to measure with a GPS is now done in less than an hour.

The fires from 2024 resulted in some residual outcomes. Aerial data, using infrared technology, is being used to monitor a coal seam fire on I-90 as the result of the House Draw fire.

Did you know?

• The most tenured WYDOT employee, with 47 years of service, District Maintenance Larry Konetzki calls D4 home.

• I-25 starts in Mexico and ends in Buffalo

• US 14A across the Bighorns is open to traffic from late May to late November

• Gillette has the largest maintenance crew in the state with 14 people and has oversight of 645 lane miles

• Pole Creek has the smallest crew with three people and has oversight of 73 lane miles.

• District 4 has two mountain crews – Pole Creek (US 16) and Burgess Junction (US 14).

• District 4 is home to the first National Monument – Devil’s Tower – and the first National Grasslands –Thunder Basin Grasslands

• District 4 has the most slides impacting the highway system

As anticipated, heavy spring rains resulted in runoff, mud and debris flow issues where the Elk fire impacted US 14. Drone data measured the debris amounts, which was then relocated to another location for other use.

For the I-90 Montana State line project, the drone has been the main survey tool used to determine and validate the large amounts of materials brought in and used for the five slide repairs. Data collected from drone flights confirmed

• One of two WYDOT CatchNet runaway truck systems is found on US 16 west of Buffalo

that contractors removed over 180 cubic yards of failed dirt and replaced it with over 170 cubic yards of scoria. The drone will contribute significantly to the project next year and will aid in assurances with the re-alignment of the eastbound lane in 2026.

The center pieces complete the big picture I would be remiss to not mention the

value of all the programs within the District, which could easily add another page to this piece because they all play a significant role. In addition to their summer tasks, our traffic, guardrail and sign crews spend a portion of their winter months plowing snow. IT and Emergency Communications stay on top of keeping us connected and communicating. Driver Services meets the challenges of working most directly with the traveling public, assuring those eligible for driving privileges are licensed. Mechanics not only keep the tires full and the oil changed, but make sure plows are in top shape and ready for the winter challenges, the stripers are operational, and all other equipment is ready to meet the demands of Wyoming weather. Our Troopers, under the guidance of Captains Erik Jorgensen and Shawn Dickerson, continue to hold the traveling public accountable and safe, and when needed, handle what is likely the worst day in someone’s life when called out to a fatal crash.

I could go on and on and have offered you just a few pieces of the puzzle that brings together what many of us in D4 take pride in. There is more to share, stories to tell, successes, challenges, and innovative ideas generated every day. One thing is for sure, WYDOT District 4 will strive to continually meet the agency’s purpose, mission, vision and always safely R.I.D.E.S. for the brand.

Aerial snapshot of the damage the House Draw Fire on I-90 east of Buffalo encompassed. Over 15 miles of fence line was damaged in addition to guardrail and signage.

Photo: WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards seven highway contracts in October

CHEYENNE — At its October regular business meeting, the Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded seven contracts valued at approximately $38 million for Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects.

The Commission awarded a bid valued at approximately $15.4 million to Cheyenne-based JTL Group Inc., dba Knife River, for a mill and overlay project involving asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, grading, traffic control, structure and milling work on approximately 11.90 miles on the eastbound lane of Interstate 80, beginning at mile marker 199.05 between Rawlins and Creston Junction in Carbon County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.

The Commission awarded a bid valued at approximately $8.5 million to Montana-based Riverside Contracting Inc. for an overlay and wearing course project involving asphalt paving, traffic control, milling, grading, structure and signing work on approximately 6.30 miles on the east- and westbound lanes on I-80 beginning at mm 28.03 just west of Lyman in Uinta County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.

The Commission awarded a bid valued at approximately $4.9 million to Cheyenne-based Reiman Corp. for a bridge replacement project involving structure, grading, asphalt paving, traffic control and aggregate surfacing work on approximately 0.50 mile at the structure over BNSF Railroad on County Road 1A in Weston County. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2026.

Reiman Corp. was also conditionally awarded a bid valued at approximately $500,000 for a structure removal project involving grading, traffic control and seeding/erosion control work on a structure at mm 8.21 on County Road 210 near Cheyenne. The bid is conditionally awarded pending concurrence by Laramie County. The completion date is June 30, 2026.

The Commission awarded a bid valued at approximately $765,000 to South Dakota-based Highway Improvement Inc. for a project involving crack sealing and traffic control work on approximately 52 miles on Wyoming Highway 28 at various locations in Sublette and Sweetwater Counties. The contract completion date is May 31, 2026.

Highway Improvement was also awarded a bid valued at approximately $700,000 for a project involving crack sealing and traffic control work on approximately 89 miles at various locations in Albany, Carbon and Laramie Counties. The contract completion date is April 30, 2026.

All the above projects are funded primarily with federal dollars.

Funded primarily with state dollars, Sundance-based Croell Inc. was awarded a bid valued at approximately $7.2 million for a mill, overlay, reconstruction and chip seal project involving aggregate surfacing, asphalt paving, grading, traffic control, fencing, stormwater drainage and chip seal work on approximately 5 miles on Wyoming Highway 120 and Wyoming Highway 170 beginning at mile marker 4.21 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse in Hot Springs County. The completion date is June 30, 2027.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

WYDOT begins collecting fuel tax from public EV charging stations

CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Department of Transportation started collecting fuel tax and licensing fees from public electric vehicle charging stations around the state Oct.1.

In Wyoming Statute, electricity is identified as an alternative fuel when used to charge electric vehicles and thus is subject to fuel tax. By law, all electricity sold publicly for the purpose of charging an EV must be reported and fuel tax remitted to Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration.

“Initially, the EV market was minimal, and Wyoming EV owners purchase annual decals with their vehicle registration to meet the fuel tax requirement,” said Wayne Hassinger, Wyoming Fuel

Tax Administration manager. “With the expansion of EV ownership nationwide, there are more out-of-state EVs traveling Wyoming roads, so WYDOT is starting that collection process to ensure fair taxation.”

The applicable rate, as outlined in statute, is $0.24 per gallon. The method of calculating the fuel tax on electricity is based on kilowatt hours using the Gasoline Gallon Equivalent formula. More information can be found on our website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/business_with_wydot/fuel_tax.html

Offering customers free electric vehicle charging does not preclude the station owner from this requirement.

“Ultimately, it’s just like gasoline or diesel fuel,” said Kimberly Peters, Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration supervisor. “The electricity is fueling vehicles that are driving on the roads. Fuel tax helps recoup some of WYDOT’s costs to maintain those roads and bridges.”

The Wyoming Fuel Tax EV Charging Station license is also statutorily required as part of the collection process. The annual license fee is $25 per location. Owners are also subject to monthly reporting requirements.

This requirement is for public-facing Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. No payments will be collected for electricity used prior to Oct.1, 2025. EV owners who charge their vehicles at home will not be subject to these requirements.

Charging station owners need to take immediate action to ensure compliance. For more information, contact Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration at wyoevtax@ wyo.gov.

WYDOT Driver Services statewide closed for software installation

CHEYENNE — Wyoming Department of Transportation Driver Services offices statewide were temporarily closed for software installation and data conversion.

Driver Services offices closed 30 minutes early Oct. 16, and remained closed through Oct. 20.

“Although all locations were closed, employees worked on the software

installation and data migration process,” said Misty Zimmerman, Driver Services program manager. “Some employees even worked through the weekend to minimize the amount of time the offices had to be closed to the public.”

WYDOT worked with partnering state agencies, including Enterprise Technology Services, to ensure system success.

Law enforcement access to driver information was not affected by the upgrade.

“This major milestone marks the retirement of the current driver license software system, RIS, after almost 40 years,” said Zimmerman, “as well as ushers in this new system after years of extensive planning and effort by WYDOT, our modernization vendor and ETS.”

Driver Services resumed normal operations on Oct. 21.

District 1

Driving while fatigued led to violent crash, citations on I-80 in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE — On Oct. 29, the Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle rollover on Interstate 80 in Cheyenne, at mile marker 362. When troopers arrived, they found that a commercial dump truck was eastbound when it began to drift to the right side of the roadway. The truck struck the jersey barrier on the front passenger side, spun, then tripped and rolled off the roadway.

The driver of the truck was wearing their seatbelt at the time of the crash

A fatigued commercial dump truck driver lost control and rolled the vehicle on eastbound I-80 in Cheyenne.

and suffered only minor injuries.

The driver also admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. After further investigation, the driver was cited with careless driving

along with multiple commercial violations. No other vehicles were involved and no other injuries were reported.

Semitruck crash into

Medicine Bow River leads to DUI

CHEYENNE — On Oct. 21, the Wyoming Highway Patrol was alerted to a semitruck that had just crashed into the Medicine Bow River at milepost 259 on Interstate 80, just outside Elk Mountain.

The ensuing investigation found the semitruck, which was hauling potatoes, had been eastbound when it crossed the median and crashed into the river. A female passenger in the truck was taken by helicopter to a medical facility in Colorado. The driver of the truck, identified as Matthew Berggren, 40, of Idaho, was arrested for DUI. Berggren is out on bond after an initial hearing.

The semitruck and trailer were both pulled from the river. The Environmental Protection Agency has also cleared the scene at the river after the truck was removed.

Additionally, troopers learned that a cat had been in the semitruck. Employees with High Altitude Towing found the cat, which was not injured in the crash. The cat was placed at the Rawlins animal shelter.

Lack of seat belt use a factor in deadly crash near Rock River

LARAMIE — On Oct. 7, the Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle rollover on US Highway 30/287, approximately 4 miles east of Rock River. Troopers found that a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck was southbound when the truck left the roadway to the right. The driver then overcorrected the pickup back onto the road where it slid sideways across the roadway, before entering the ditch backwards. The truck then tripped and rolled at least once.

A female passenger and a male infant in a car seat were both completely ejected from the vehicle. The female passenger, identified as Yenly Martinez Perez, 25, of Norfolk, Nebr., was taken by helicopter to Medical Center of the Rockies in Colorado. She succumbed to her injuries at the medical facility four days later.

The male infant was taken by helicopter to Denver Children’s Hospital and was hospitalized.

The male driver was taken by ground ambulance to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, where he was treated and released.

The investigation revealed that Perez was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, and that the child seat had not been properly secured. The driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Driver inattention is being considered as the primary factor in this crash.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol wants to see everyone and every family get home safely. Please pay attention while driving, minimize distractions and always buckle up. If you have any questions on how to properly secure a child seat in your vehicle, visit Wyoming Highway Patrol, your local law enforcement office or a local fire station.

Horse Creek Road closed temporarily for railroad crossing repairs

CHEYENNE — Wyoming Highway 211/Horse Creek Road was temporarily closed for a railroad crossing repair on

Photo: WYDOT

A semitruck lies crashed in the Medicine Bow River after leaving eastbound I-80.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 7

Oct. 13.

Crews with BNSF Railway began work to repair a railroad crossing near the intersection of WYO 211/Horse Creek Road and Gilchrist Road – County Road 109 at mile marker 17.1.

BNSF closed the crossing entirely, with assistance from RoadSafe Traffic Systems’ traffic control. While the crossing was closed, crews removed and replaced planks under the crossing.

There was no access across the railroad tracks for the duration of the project. Motorists were encouraged avoid the area during the project’s duration. The detour was to travel north on Interstate 25 to Chugwater and then south on WYO 211.

Joint commercial carrier operation leads to arrests

LARAMIE — On Sept. 30, The Wyoming Highway Patrol, in tandem with Colorado State Patrol, worked a commercial carrier traffic operation known as a Mobile Enforcement and Education Team Detail on the Wyoming/Colorado border. The MEET detail consisted of multiple checkpoints where Troopers and mobile inspectors ensured commercial carriers were following state and federal regulations. The operation took place south of Laramie on US Highway 287. Troopers and inspection teams put out signs on the road informing commercial vehicles they were required to pull over for inspections. Vehicles passing the area without attempting to stop were pulled over by troopers and brought back to inspection area.

During the operation, a white box truck was southbound on US 287 and drove by the southbound inspection area

without stopping. The vehicle was pulled over by a trooper before being brought back to the inspection checkpoint. While being inspected, troopers discovered the driver had been in violation of the English Language Proficiency requirements on Sept. 13 in Colorado and was put out of service. The driver was arrested on repeat violations for violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulation, ELP and the box truck was towed.

Over the course of the operation, the mobile enforcement teams inspected 82 commercial vehicles, ensuring the vehicles were in compliance with federal safety regulations and ensuring the drivers were operating legally. These inspections led to a total of 16 drivers and 24 vehicles being put out of service, along with four arrests and one marijuana citation. WHP troopers arrested three commercial vehicle drivers, all pertaining to repeat offenses. Two arrests were for repeated offenses of driving without a CDL, and one arrest for repeated violations of ELP. Colorado State Patrol had one arrest related to a state-wide warrant.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol takes commercial vehicle safety very seriously. Various driver violations, including ELP and driving without a CDL, and vehicle violations (brakes, overweight, etc.) can lead to a driver or a vehicle being put out of service – meaning the driver can no longer operate the vehicle. Being put out of service is done to ensure the safety of everyone using our roadways, regular and commercial drivers alike. When a driver is found to be operating while not complying with critical FMCSA regulations along with repeat violations like ELP, the driver may be arrested.

Total number of employees: As of Sept. 30, 2025 1,840

One month ago 1,846 One year ago 1,814

Total number of highway fatalities: As of October 1, 2025 87 One year ago 74

Photo: WYDOT

A white box truck being towed after WHP found the driver to be in violation of commercial motor vehicle regulations.

Photo: WHP

District 2

Driver inattention, fatigue

possible factors in fatal crash north of Casper

CASPER — On Oct 15, the Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 25 north of Casper, roughly 6 miles west of Midwest.

Troopers found that a 2010 Cadillac SRX sport utility vehicle was southbound on I-25 when it exited the road to the left. The driver then overcorrected and, with the road wet with rain and sleet, the vehicle began to spin. The SUV crossed both lanes of travel and exited the roadway to the right. After sliding on the shoulder for approximately 30 feet, the vehicle tripped down a steep embankment and flipped, impacting the ground twice. The vehicle then became entangled in the right-ofway fence and came to an uncontrolled rest.

Both occupants of the vehicle were completely ejected from the vehicle. The first occupant, Mariah Raile, 28, of Moorcroft, was taken by ground ambulance to the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, where she was pronounced dead. The second occupant, Bryse Lang, 33, of Moorcroft, died at the scene. Neither Lang nor Raile were wearing seatbelts.

Driver inattention and driver fatigue are being looked at as possible causes of the crash.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol implores all drivers to pay attention to the road and minimize distractions. Please ensure you are not driving tired – driving sleepy is the same as driving impaired. If you are sleepy on the road, switch with a passenger who is rested or simply find a safe spot to pull over and get some rest before continuing on. Finally, seat belts save lives, and we ask all who use Wyoming roads to please buckle up.

District 3

Fish Creek bridge repair

JACKSON — The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Reiman Corp began work on the Fish Creek bridge near Wilson on Wyoming Highway 22 on Oct. 20. The initial start of work was conducted with two-lanes of traffic maintained over the bridge.

Crews worked on repairing the caps on the structure beneath the bridge deck. The work was scheduled to last a week. Drivers are advised that construction schedules may change due to availability of materials and crews and are weather dependent.

The milling, grading, and paving work will require the closure of the bridge and a detour onto the county roads in Wilson. This work will begin on November 3 and is scheduled to last up to 10 days. The duration of the closure will be dependent on weather and other working factors. The contract allows for a 14-day window of closure, but the contractor and WYDOT are tightening the schedule in an effort to limit the duration of the detour. Crews have elected not to detour traffic until after Oct. 31, the Halloween holiday, for safety reasons.

“With the bridge work lasting until about October 28th or so, it is better for the community to just plan on November 3rd as the start of the bridge closure and use of the detour,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said.

During the detour, WYDOT will be posting flaggers at West Street and Main Street, as well as at the elementary school during school hours to assist with traffic flow.

In addition, Teton County will be implementing restrictions on vehicles traveling through the detour. More information about those restrictions will be released closer to the detour date. Teton County will also be restricting parking to a minimum distance of 2 feet beyond the edge of pavement, and certain areas will likely be barricaded off using traffic control devices to prevent vehicle parking. The 60,000-pound weight restriction on WYO 22, Teton Pass, has been extended through the work area in Wilson as well.

The scope of work for this project involves laying asphalt pavement, repairing bent caps, placing temporary traffic control measures, placing road base, milling plant mix, removing surfacing, and performing excavation near the town of Wilson on WYO 22 at road marker 5.40 at the Fish Creek Bridge. The completion date for the work is Nov. 15, 2025.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded the emergency contract valued at approximately $768,000 for the repairs of the Fish Creek bridge structure in Wilson to Reiman Corp, of Cheyenne. The work was award-

ed in a special meeting via Zoom on Oct. 1. The structure was scheduled for repairs in WYDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Plan in 2028, but earlier this year, WYDOT identified some damage to the cap structure on the bridge during a routine inspection. Although there is no danger of failure, WYDOT had concerns with the bridge’s ability to safely support larger vehicles like snowplows without further damage. To safely support heavier traffic, WYDOT proposed an emergency contract to make immediate repairs to the bridge. WYDOT is currently working on plans to replace the structure as soon as the design work and National Environmental Policy Act process are completed, which should be in two to three years.

Crews worked on I-80 near Green River, Rock Springs

ROCK SPRINGS The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from DeBernardi Construction Company Inc. worked on concrete road repairs Oct. 2 on Interstate 80 between Dewar Drive and Interchange Road. The work lasted approximately two weeks.

Beginning Oct. 6, crews began working on I-80 just west of the Green River Interchange at mile marker 88.92 near the tunnels. The work lasted approximately a week.

In both work areas, drivers encountered lane closures, shoulder work and reduced speeds. The work was part of a district wide concrete slab replacement project, which was awarded in May of this year. The scope of work includes slab replacement involving concrete paving, Briefs continued on page 8

Fish Creek bridge repair outside of Jackson near Wilson.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

traffic control and aggregate surfacing work at various locations in southwest Wyoming.

Crews closed the UPRR bridge on Interchange Road for roadway repairs

ROCK SPRINGS The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews closed the Union Pacific Railroad bridge on Interchange Road between Sewer Plant Road and Westgate Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 1 for roadway repairs. The work was expected to take one day and the bridge reopened by Oct. 2. Crews repaired a bump at the end of the bridge to smooth out the pavement for drivers. WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in work zones, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic control devices. Unpredictable weather and other variables may necessitate last-minute changes to the plans and work hours may vary. WYDOT remains committed to updating the public with timely information.

District 4

Deadly motorcycle crash in Weston County

CHEYENNE — On Oct. 23, the Wyoming Highway Patrol was alerted to a single vehicle crash in Weston County on US Highway 85 mile marker 252, roughly 22 miles north of Newcastle.

Troopers found that a 2016 Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle had failed to negotiate a left hand curve and left the roadway. The motorcycle encountered a road approach, hitting the elevated driveway at a high rate of speed. The bike and rider became airborne, traveling approximately 130 feet through the air. After landing, the bike struck a tree, causing the rider to lose control. The motorcycle tripped and began rolling. During the rollover, the rider was separated from the motorcycle.

The rider, identified as John Fowler, 55, of Newcastle, died at the scene. Fowler was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Troopers believe the motorcycle had been traveling in excess of 100 mph before leaving the roadway. The investigation also revealed Fowler may have been drinking before the crash. Speed and possible impairment are being looked at as possible causes in this crash.

Warm weather and dry road conditions make for a great motorcycle ride on Wyoming’s wide open highways, but the WHP reminds all riders to make good decisions before riding. Observe speed limits, always wear a helmet, and never drink and ride.

Slope repair work on I-90 east of Sheridan

SHERIDAN — The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, DRM Inc., began repairs on a

slope failure the week of Oct. 27.

The slope failure, or slide, is located along the westbound shoulder of Interchange 90 near mile marker 29.7.

Slope failures are common in Sheridan County and occur because existing soils become over saturated and heavy due to extended periods of moisture and runoff and give way to the downward slope and gravitational pull of the shoulder.

To make the repair, the existing failed soils were removed, benches created and backfilled with scoria, a lightweight rock material that allows moisture to drain through the slope without becoming saturated.

Traffic encountered a right lane closure and a reduced posted speed limit of 65 mph through the work zone.

I-90 Montana State Line Project

SHERIDAN — Motorists traveling between the Montana state line and Ranchester will notice the road is a little smoother than it was a year ago.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Croell Inc., began working on the westbound lane of Interstate 90 in late March of this year, focusing on repairing five slope failures along a 6 mile stretch of shoulder.

A slope failure happens when the underlying soils, commonly clay, become overly saturated and lose their ‘sticky’ factor and give way to gravitational pull. Most of these clays are sitting on a shale base, offering little to no resistance for the clay to adhere to. The soil becomes too heavy and follows the path of least resistance and falls away from the slope, encroaching into the shoulder of the highway and potentially into the lane of travel.

To repair these slopes, the contractor

A work zone on I-80 near Green River.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

UPRR bridge on Interchange Road in Rock Springs closed for roadway repairs.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

A downed motorcycle in the barrow ditch next to US 85 after the rider lost control and crashed.

Photo: WYDOT

A slope failure along I-90 east of Sheridan.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

cut away the failing soils, created benches and backfilled those benches with scoria. The lightweight scoria allows moisture to drain through the slope without becoming saturated. Contractors removed over 180,000 cubic yards of failed soil and replaced that with over 170,000 cubic yards of scoria at these locations.

In addition to the slope repair work completed, WYDOT milled and overlayed 6 miles of the westbound lane and were able to complete paving of just over 2 miles of the eastbound lane – originally scheduled to be completed next year.

Two bridges were removed and replaced with box culverts, and the Parkman exit bridge decks were repaired.

Year two work, scheduled for 2026, will include realigning approximately 4 miles of the eastbound lane from mile marker 3.9 to 8.0. This realignment is required to accommodate multiple slope failures that have been encroaching on the shoulder for several years.

Two additional bridges will be removed and replaced with box culverts within the realignment road section. District 4 Sheridan Resident Engineer Jake Whisonant was pleased with the amount of work Croell was able to complete this year.

“The contractor and their subs moved through year one’s scope efficiently and were also able to complete some additional paving of the eastbound lane to this year, which will lighten up the remaining schedule.”

Work is anticipated to start back up in March of 2026, weather permitting.

Interstate underpass damaged by oversized load

SUNDANCE — The Wyoming Department of Transportation is reporting a westbound bridge on Interstate 90 near the town of Beulah, Wyo., was hit by an oversized load the evening of Oct. 15.

A low-boy truck and trailer unit carrying a forklift struck the underside girders and support braces of the Beulah bridge located at exit 205 on I-90.

The mast of the forklift exceeded the posted clearance height of 15 feet, 11 inches, resulting in damaging several girders and braces of the bridge when passing under the overpass.

Preliminary inspection of the damage

indicates the integrity of the bridge has been compromised resulting in the need to close the bridge to traffic until further inspection by WYDOT’s bridge engineers can be completed.

The closure of the overpass requires Sand Creek Road traffic to be detoured to alternate routes.

Westbound traffic wanting to access the overpass can either access Sand Creek Road by taking exit 199/Aladdin and eastbound I-90 to the exit 205 off ramp onto Sand Creek Road.

Northbound Sand Creek Road traffic will be detoured to exit 2/McNenney South Dakota and suggest taking either the Red Hills Road south to Homestake Road and west to Sand Creek Road.

The Beulah Bridge overpass offers access to Sand Creek Road, the town of Beulah and the I-90 frontage road.

WYDOT bridge, maintenance and traffic programs will determine if a partial opening of the bridge is possible once the bridge has been inspected.

The safety of the traveling public is always first and foremost and WYDOT asks for your patience and understanding while completing this assessment.

The Beulah Interchange Bridge has been subject to previous strikes. A $1.19 million damage repair contract from a 2023 strike was underway earlier in 2025, with work completed in June. This most recent strike represents new damage which will require additional assessment and likely further extend the overall repair timeline for the structure.

The Beulah bridge girders were struck by an oversized load Oct. 15.

Work on intersection removal, replacement on WYO 59

GILLETTE — The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Concrete Works of Colo., began work on several intersections of Wyoming Highway 59 and US Highway 14/16 the week of Oct. 20.

Contractors began working on WYO 59 this winter and will begin work on US 14/16 at the intersections of 4th Avenue and Warlow Drive next spring.

The concrete slabs at various locations along WYO 59, located between the Powder Basin Center (Albertsons) and 5th Street, will be removed and replaced. This will require lane shifts and closures to be completed.

Suspicious device temporarily closes WYDOT facility in Weston County

NEWCASTLE — A Wyoming Department of Transportation employee found what appeared to be an explosive device at a remote location in Weston County and mistakenly transported that device to the local WYDOT facility.

The WYDOT supervisor immediately recognized the severity of the situation and initiated an evacuation of the facility while contacting local authorities.

Offices from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Weston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newcastle Police Department responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.

The bomb squad rendered the device

Briefs continued on page 12

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Cracking in the concrete on WYO 59.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

safe and disposed of it properly.

During the incident, US Highway 16 in the vicinity was closed during the law enforcement operations.

The primary investigating agency for the incident is the Weston County Sheriff’s office and is the primary contact for any further information regarding this situation.

The WYDOT facility and adjacent road have been opened for normal operations. WYDOT apologizes for the inconvenience to the traveling public.

WYDOT reminds the public if you see something suspicious to not approach it or move and instead call law enforcement.

Speed limit change on WYO 59 north of Gillette

GILLETTE — The Wyoming Department of Transportation informed motorists of a speed limit reduction on Wyoming Highway 59 between mileposts 120 and 122, north of Gillette.

The speed limit in this area was reduced from 70 mph to 55 mph due to a series of dips along a downhill, uphill,

S-curve section of the roadway. These dips have created a significant safety concern.

This change is being implemented to help reduce the risk of crashes and improve safety for the traveling public. WYDOT plans to address and repair this section of roadway during the 2026 construction season, once paving operations can be scheduled.

The speed limit change was effective on Oct. 14.

The speed limit on WYO 59 between mileposts 120 and 122 will be reduced from 75 mph to 55 mph.

Aeronautics

The Wyoming Airports Coalition –Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 recipient

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the Wyoming Airports Coalition’s highest level of recognition and is awarded to an individual who has spent a significant amount of their career pursuing the improvement of aviation throughout the state of Wyoming. In order to be eligible for this honor, an individual must have spent a minimum of 20 years of service involved in some facet of the aviation industry within the state of Wyoming. The nominee must have unanimous consent of the Board of Directors to be recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Hampshire has served in the Aeronautics division since 2002, helping to develop and write many of the policies and procedures that are used today. He plays a critical role in 5010 safety inspections at general aviation airports, equipment projects, capital improvement project reviews, statewide pavement maintenance, and the Aviation Encouragement and Marketing programs. Hampshire has worked tirelessly over the years to serve the aviation community across the state of Wyoming.

District 5

Pavement markings project in Cody

CODY — A northwest Wyoming project to replace thermoplastic pavement markings resumed mid-October in Cody.

“The contractor will be working in downtown Cody for the next three weeks,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “One lane of traffic will be closed at a time, and short traffic delays can be expected. The other locations (Dubois, Ethete and Ten Sleep) should be completed in November.

“This work includes replacing crosswalk bars and turning arrows,” Miller said.

Prime contractor SandL Industrial, of Cowley, will conduct its work on the $225,500 project during the day.

“The thermoplastic pavement markings will necessitate closing one lane of traffic at a time, and motorists should expect short traffic delays,” Miller said.

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT Aeronautics Analyst Greg Hampshire (center) was awarded the WAC Lifetime Achievement Award. Aeronautics Engineering and Construction Manager Phillip Hearn is on the left and President of the Wyoming Airports Coalition and the Executive Director of the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport in Rock Springs Devon Brubaker on the right.

Photo: WYDOT

Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductee

By WAHF President John Waggener

The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame, in conjunction with the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission, has named Dwight H. France the 2025 inductee into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. France is recognized for his nearly 40 years of providing flying services in south-central Wyoming and for his dedication to the wildlife biology community through his aerial survey flights across the state.

France began flying with his father in his youth. In 1967, his official flight instruction began when he was studying business administration at the University of Wyoming. While at the University of Wyoming, he was a member of the Laramie Flying Club and received instruction from several pilots, including Donald Veal, an atmospheric science professor who established the university’s flight facility and acquired its first aircraft. France soloed on April 7, 1967. After graduating from UW in 1970, he returned home to Rawlins and worked for his father at Rawlins National Bank. Soon after, he purchased a Cessna 210 and obtained a charter certificate and began flying passengers.

In 1975, he left banking and established France Flying Service – a full-service flying operation and was the fixed-base operator at Rawlins. Services included aircraft maintenance, charter flights, wildlife tracking and telemetry, aerial photography, air ambulance service, aircraft rental, fire reconnaissance, and search and rescue. His fleet of aircraft included a Super Cub and Cessna models 180, 182, 206, 210, 340, and 421. France was the manager of the Rawlins Airport from 1981 until 2011. As a pilot, he logged nearly 40,000 accident-free hours prior to retiring in 2011. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was commemorated for being a member for 50 years.

France helped pioneer numerous wildlife monitoring techniques, including the aerial line transect that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department developed for estimating pronghorn numbers. He also had a native insight for weather prediction, which was critical at a time when detailed weather forecasts were not yet available. France was among the first pilots to offer aerial radio-tracking services.

Wildlife biologist Rich Guenzel, in a nomination letter for France, wrote: “Flying aerial surveys is considered the most hazardous duty and the leading cause of on-the-job deaths for wildlife biologists. Flying low-level surveys in Wyoming requires great skill, situational awareness, and knowing what the biologists need to best fly the plane to obtain reliable data. It is a testament to France’s skill that he flew so many mission hours at low-level safely. Our strong winds, rugged terrain, and density altitude add

a level of difficulty to conducting such surveys compared to other parts of the country.”

Frank Blomquist, a retired wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management, submitted a letter of support and said of France, “I believe that every biologist that had ever flown with France over the years would all agree that France was an essential part of the wildlife community and an important part of getting our work completed.”

In 2011, France received the Citizen of the Year award from the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society for his professional efforts that directly benefited wildlife.

France was born in Rawlins on April 3, 1947. After graduating from high school in 1965, he attended the University of Wyoming, Laramie, where he earned a degree in business administration in 1970. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He married Candace Carroll in Encampment in 1984. He and Candy had one daughter, Jane, who inherited the family’s 1956 Cessna 180, which was purchased new by her grandfather. France also was active with multiple fire departments, including in Rawlins and Encampment and was the Carbon County Fire Warden for 17 years. He passed away March 22, 2022.

The family hosted an induction ceremony in Laramie on Nov. 1, 2025.

The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 as a nonprofit, publicly supported, tax-exempt organization dedicated to honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development, or advancement of aviation in Wyoming.

The organization comprises a board of directors and operates in conjunction with the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. Board members include Kent Nelson, retired US Air Force colonel and former Wyoming Aeronautics Commissioner; Dean McClain, who operates an aerial spraying business in Torrington and who is a current Aeronautics Commissioner; and John Waggener, the University of Wyoming Archivist and Historian and a Wyoming transportation historian.

For more information about the WAHF, to nominate an individual, or to make a financial contribution to support the organization, please call or email WAHF President John Waggener (307-766-2563) waggener@uwyo.edu. Biographies of inductees can be found on the WYDOT website at: https://www.dot.state. wy.us/home/aeronautics/aviation_hall_of_fame.html

Dwight France with his father John standing with the family’s 1956 Cessna 180 that was purchased new by John. Dwight’s daughter Jane, of Cheyenne, now owns the aircraft.

Photo: Wyoming Aeronautics Hall of Fame

Dwight France at the Controls, 1993.

Photo: Wyoming Aeronautics Hall of Fame

WYDOT, WGFD celebrate Kemmerer wildlife project groundbreaking

Project expects to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by up to 90 percent

By Jordan Young

In September, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Highway 189 Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project in southwest Wyoming.

When complete, the corridor will feature seven wildlife underpasses, one overpass, 1 mile of road reconstruction, and 30 miles of wildlife fencing along US Highway 189 between Kemmerer and Evanston.

According to the nonprofit the WYldlife Fund, each year an average of 80 deer-vehicle collisions are reported annually along this section of Highway 189 – and the actual number is likely much higher when considering unreported incidents. WGFD said in a news release the agency anticipates this project to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area by 80-90 percent, which is a win for the Carter Lease pronghorn and Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds that rely on this corridor for annual migrations.

The project is funded by a $24.3 million federal wildlife pilot program discretionary grant, one of the largest awarded that year. An additional $8.8 million in partner contributions, including donations from partners like the WYldlife Fund, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and other nonprofit and private donors helped to fully fund the project.

“The collaboration in this state, between Game and Fish and WYDOT, all of our local partners, all of our NGO groups and our communities who invest in wildlife crossings are truly the envy of other states who wish to emulate the same systems that we have here and the partnerships that are so authentic and true,” said Sara Direnzo, Senior Policy Advisor for Wyoming Governor Gordon’s Office, in her speech at the event.

The discretionary grant was awarded in 2023, prompting WY-

DOT departments in Cheyenne and the field to expedite the final design work needed to start construction this fall.

Oftedal Construction, out of Casper, was awarded the project and has an anticipated completion date of October 2027. Work is already underway mulching existing vegetation, installing about 20 miles of posts, and working the dirt for the detours on the south end of the project. The detours will be needed for the underpass and overpass work, which is expected to start in Spring 2026

As District 3 Engineer John Eddins said during his speech at the event, this project was a long time coming. That’s because it’s part of a series of wildlife efforts along the US 189 corridor, starting with Trapper’s Point near Pinedale in 2012 and the Dry Piney project near La Barge that was completed in 2023.

During his speech, WYldlife Fund president Chris McBarnes thanked the Governor, Wyoming Game and Fish and WYDOT for such a successful, longstanding partnership.

“[To] all you hard working folks out on the ground actually putting in the sweat equity to move these projects – thank you, thank you, thank you – it literally would not be possible without you,” he said in his speech.

WYDOT continues to identify grants and other sources of funding for additional wildlife connectivity priority projects as outlined in the Wyoming Wildlife and Roadways Initiative. More information at the Wyoming Game and Fish website: https:// wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/movement-matters/wildlife-crossings

A groundbreaking ceremony for the US 189 Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project was held in September. Construction is already underway with an anticipated completion date of October 2027.

Photo: Christina Spindler/WYDOT

WYldlife Fund president Chris McBarnes (center) presented WYDOT Director Darin Westby (right) with a check worth close to $1 million in private donations for the project. (At left, Sara Direnzo, senior policy advisor for Gov. Gordon’s Office.)

Photo: Christina Spindler/WYDOT

Congratulations to the WY Lead 2025 Academy Graduates

By Amy Bale

On Oct. 7, 2025, the 2025 WY Lead participants presented their strategic project recommendations to Executive Staff at the University of Wyoming’s Wildcatter Club in Laramie, Wyo.

The day-long event wrapped up the busy four-month academy, during which participants learned more about the WYDOT divisions, Districts, and Programs across the state. They studied and practiced emotional intelligence concepts from the Blue EQ training and assessment program, engaged in sessions with District Engineers Ralph Tarango, Mark Williams, John Eddins, Scott Taylor and Pete Hallsten, and heard from WHP Col. Tim Cameron about change management, and former Chief Engineer Del McOmie about his leadership experience. Participants also developed relationships with members of Executive Staff through the WY Lead mentoring program, and worked in two teams to develop recommendations for two strategic projects requested by Executive Staff.

Team Calculated Risk, composed of Suzie Roseberry, Baylor Beers, Cassie Pickett, Phillip Hearn, Duane Fischer, and Rusty Speidel, selected the project focused on innovation at WYDOT. Their project, titled “Paving the Way for Innovation”, proposed developing an Innovation and Research program under the Support Services division that would help create an innovation culture at WYDOT and design tools to encourage, track, implement, and recognize employee innovation ideas.

Team CSI Morale, composed of Barry Schulenberg, Robert Rodriguez, Coulter Carlson, Riley Palsma, Jordan Young, and Tim Rasnake, selected the project focused on WYDOT employee morale. Using employee interviews, the team identified current ways that WYDOT improves employee morale. They then proposed a simple, high visibility campaign, driven by employees,

511

map gets a new look

The interactive map feature of WYDOT’s 511 website recently got a design upgrade. Almost all features are the same, but some colors and icons changed for better readability. Now, icons better show the impact of an event (symbolized with exclamation points) and layers are organized by type. There are also features to bookmark the map at a specific location, zoom out to a statewide view, and a way to see all alerts and information for a highway section in one window instead of scrolling through tiles. Check it out for yourself.

that is easily identifiable, offers a positive message, and allows variable levels of involvement.

Each presentation was followed by a question and answer session with Executive Staff, which gave the teams a chance to clarify any questions and allowed Staff to give feedback and suggestions. Finally, each participant was presented with their certificate of graduation by their Executive mentor.

If you get a chance, please congratulate these 12 outstanding WYDOT’ers on completing the WY Lead Program!

Note: Recordings of each team’s presentation can be found on the WYDOT Leadership Academy page on the Intranet.

The WY Lead graduates stand in front of the “Breakin’ Through” sculpture at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

WYDOT announces NEVI plan approval, major program updates

CHEYENNE — The Federal Highway Administration recently announced approval of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s newest National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program plan, certifying that the Alternative Fuel Corridors in Wyoming are fully built out and NEVI funding can be spent on non-interstate highways.

With the private sector taking the lead, Wyoming is the third state to achieve full build-out status, a monumental achievement considering no NEVI-funded EV chargers have been installed in the state thus far.

EVI guidance requires the FHWA to certify the full build-out of the AFCs in a state before any NEVI funding can be spent on other highways. WYDOT identified at least 39 stations along the state’s AFCs – Interstates 25, 80 and 90 – as part of the NEVI plan, all of which are privately owned and were built and operated independent of federal funding.

“WYDOT’s strategic, cautious approach to the federal program has allowed the free market to take care of installing stations where it made good business sense,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “We have no interest in using these federal funds in a way that is competing with the private sector, and WYDOT felt existing charging stations are appropriately spaced to meet current EV ranges.”

The newest NEVI guidance no longer requires charging stations to be placed every 50 miles or within 1 mile of an exit. These changes in guidance, among other program updates, helped WYDOT be successful with the agency’s full build-out request.

With tourism being the state’s second largest industry, WYDOT’s strategy is now focused on using NEVI funding as a grant for private industry to continue its work building EV charging stations along non-interstate highways, especially those used by drivers to get to tourist destinations like Devil’s Tower National Monument, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

WYDOT will be working with its consultant on the project, HDR, to identify initial eligible routes and redraft a Request for Proposal to meet new NEVI requirements.

“NEVI guidance has changed, and we need to make major changes to our existing draft RFP,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Keith Fulton. “We anticipate that process to take several months.”

The approved plan and other NEVI information can be found on our updated NEVI webpage: https://www.dot.state. wy.us/home/planning_projects/electric-vehicle-infrastructure.html

Specialty plates get a new look – UW Alumni Plate

Popular specialty plate helps fund student scholarships

By Jordan Young

Fall brings football tailgates, homecoming parades and other school spirit activities, but many drivers around Wyoming show their University of Wyoming pride year-round with the UW specialty plate.

The plate, like all Wyoming license plates in 2025, now features a new look. Pokes fans likely recognize the mountain graphic on the new design as the same graphic on either of War Memorial Stadium’s iconic end zones.

This is the third iteration of this specialty plate; the first was brown and gold, followed by the more recent gold and brown.

The new design was chosen via thousands of votes cast by UW alumni and drivers who had the previous iteration of the plate.

Of all the specialty plates WYDOT offers, the UW plate has long been one of the most popular. Collectively, the two previous cycles sold more than 147,800 plates and raised more than $1.4 million.

“We could not be more excited for the new cycle of UW license plates,” said Jack Tennant, executive director of the UW Alumni Association. “This program is a fantastic way for our alumni and friends who live in Wyoming to showcase their UW

pride while contributing to a great cause –our students.”

While drivers do not have to be a UW alum to be eligible for the plate, the funds generated from the plate go toward future UW alumni.

Specialty plate scholarship offerings include supporting transfer students, students who have a family member that’s an alum, and non-traditional students. The funding also helps support student projects and programs.

“This scholarship will help me instrumentally in the continuation of my education and then professional career,” said Tigan Hill, a license plate scholarship awardee. “I am very thankful that some of the cost of getting my undergraduate degree has been taken care of, so I can continue focusing on my education, and not stressing as much on how to pay for it all.”

The UW alumni specialty plate could dethrone the Veteran plates as the most sold specialty plate in Wyoming. As of mid-September, sales are up 51 percent, meaning even more students will benefit.

To apply for the plate, visit WYDOT’s website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/titles_plates_registration/specialty_plates/University_of_Wyoming.html

Employee Safety Dangerous find in work zone

By Jason Green, District 4 Safety Representative

What happened?

While working at a state pit, an employee discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb. The employee picked up the device, had a coworker take pictures, and then placed the suspected device in the bed of a work truck. The employee then drove the device to a maintenance shop, where the employee carried the items around inside the complex, showing them to others.

Meanwhile, a coworker notified the supervisor. The supervisor immediately recognized the severity of the situation and initiated an evacuation of the facility while contacting local authorities. The highway was closed through town adjacent to the shop, and a bomb squad responded. The investigation by the bomb squad confirmed the device was real and not a hoax.

The associated risks were significant because the device was not left where it was found and was moved into a populated location and then carried around the building, showing it to others. Why it happened

Lack of situational awareness: The employee ignored the potential danger of the items and chose to handle them directly.

Deviation from protocol: The employee’s actions – handling, photographing, and transporting the device – directly contradicted training given as well as standard safety principles of not touching, moving, or interfering with a potential explosive.

Lessons learned

Suspect devices should never be handled: Any unknown object that resembles an explosive device must be treated as real and extremely dangerous. The priority is to secure the area and ensure no one encounters the device.

Immediate notification is critical: The proper response is to evacuate the area immediately and contact a supervisor, who

“Go Pokes!” day at WYDOT HQ

Along with many other Agencies across the state, WYDOT took part in “Go Pokes!” day ahead of the annual Border War with Colorado State University. Gov. Mark Gordon encouraged state employees to proudly wear their best brown and gold to show their spirit and love for the home team!

WYDOT Executive Staff and the Public Affairs Office gladly showed up in their UW best.

should then engage emergency services (law enforcement, fire department, etc.) to respond and take care of the situation. Training is essential: Employees must be trained on how to identify and respond to potential hazards, including improvised explosive devices, hazardous materials, and other unknown objects.

Recommended Actions

Reinforce safety culture: Emphasize that in any situation involving an unknown object, the safest course of action is to assume it is dangerous and contact emergency services. Never handle, move, or otherwise interfere with the object.

Communicate and train: All employees should be briefed on this incident and trained on the “3 C’s” of responding to a suspected explosive device: confirm, clear and call.

1. Confirm – observe from a distance: Visually confirm the presence of a suspicious item from a safe, non-line-of-sight distance. Look for indicators: Be aware of potential signs of an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and its components.

2. Clear – evacuate safely: Move yourself and others away from the danger area to a safe distance, following terrain for cover. Establish hard cover: Once at a safe distance, get behind solid objects that can protect from a potential blast.

Do not use electronics: Avoid using cell phones or radios near the device, as they could trigger it.

3. Call – contact authorities: From a safe distance, call emergency services (e.g., 911) to report the suspicious device. Do not re-enter: Do not go back into the area.

Continue to warn others: Continue to keep others from entering the evacuated area.

Note: This incident is also mentioned in the District Briefs on page 11.

Wearing their best brown and gold: (from left) Deputy Director Taylor Rossetti, Public Affairs office manager Alexis Taylor, Chief Engineer Keith Fulton, PAO Specialist Mark Horan, PAO videographer Megan Arias, Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee, Transportation Commission secretary Caitlin Casner, Public Affairs Deputy Officer Jordan Young and Director Darin Westby.

Photo:

Carlie Dakins/WYDOT

Highway Patrol Towing program of the Wyoming Highway Patrol

By Rodney Miears, WHP; reprinted from the WTA Trucker Magazine, Vol. 73, Issue 3

In August 2018, the WHP created the Tow and Recovery program coordinator position to assist with continuity and consistency in the towing program. In November 2018, the WHP created two separate boards to assist the TRPC and the Towing Program – the Towing Advisory Board and the Dispute Resolution Committee. Both of these boards are comprised of members from the WHP, insurance industry, trucking industry and the towing industry.

Members who serve these committees are volunteers, but they provide invaluable information and relevant perspectives given their area of expertise. The TAB has played an integral part in the implementation of the towing manual, which was enacted in January 2023. The towing manual provides guidelines for the towing industry to abide by. The DRC holds hearings that encompass complaints from the motoring public, or if a tow carrier faces a suspension from the WHP voluntary non-consensual rotation.

The Tow and Recovery Program Coordinator

The TRPC oversees the towing program for the Wyoming Highway Patrol. This entails compliance by all tow carriers operating within Wyoming and not only those who reside in the state. The TRPC fields complaints ranging from tow carriers violating the WHP towing manual, state statutes and federal codes.

The TRPC oversees the annual wrecker inspections that are

conducted on all tow trucks that conduct business within the state. Part of the wrecker inspection process includes ensuring tow trucks have proper authority, registration, insurance, lighting, emergency lights and winch cables. Tow trucks are considered emergency vehicles while on scene with their red and blue lights activated. This requires the motoring public to move over or slow down to ensure the safety of the tow truck operators working on scene. Tow carriers are only allowed to operate these red and blue lights while on scene and violate state statute if actuated at any other time.

Non-Consensual VS Consensual

The WHP has a non-consensual rotation in which tow carriers can apply to be on. This is strictly a voluntary rotation. This requires tow carriers to have trained drivers, properly classified tow trucks and storage facilities, amongst a range of many other things. The WHP has several call-out areas within the state, and within each of these areas there are tow carriers who are stationed within that geographical area. When the need for a tow arises for the motoring public, in which the driver does not have a preference on a tow truck, the next tow carrier on the non-consensual rotation is called. Once the tow carrier accepts the call, they are placed at the bottom of the rotation. When someone calls for a tow carrier themselves, this would be considered a consensual tow.

Noteworthy Trucks are for Girls event

Reprinted from the WTA Trucker Magazine, Vol. 73, Issue 3

On Sept. 27, Eastern Wyoming College, in partnership with Women In Trucking and the Girl Scouts of Montana/ Wyoming, sponsored their annual event called Trucks Are For Girls. Participating Girl Scouts received a Women in Trucking badge. The event originally began as a Girl Scouts-only activity but, starting last year, was opened to the public. Women from across the logistics industry volunteered their time, fuel and equipment. Participants spent the day talking with industry professionals and get-

Young girls with their parents at the Trucks are for Girls event at Eastern Wyoming College. WHP’s Port of Entry Supervisor Alyssa Walker was on hand to answer questions that the girls had.

ting hands-on experience with trucks, buses, and equipment. A female speaker from the logistics industry also addressed the group. It was an exciting opportunity for women and kids to get a glimpse into the world of trucking.

Photo: Wyoming Truckers Association

A young girl with the Girl Scout of America Daisies under a truck getting a hands-on view of a WYDOT plow.

Photo: Wyoming Truckers Association

WHP strengthens ties with community, participates in annual Faith and Blue event

By Aaron Brown, WHP Public Involvement Specialist

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is working to strengthen its bonds with communities around Wyoming through multiple Faith and Blue events. In Cheyenne, community members and law enforcement officers, including troopers from WHP and deputies from Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, showed up to connect, laugh and give at the event on Oct. 13 at the First Christian Church of Cheyenne. Troopers joined local children in coloring with crayons and painting pumpkins before donating blood with the help of the folks at Vitalant of Cheyenne. The event also included a movie shown in the church’s sanctuary.

The WHP aided in putting on the event in Cheyenne with the help of local and national businesses. Diamond Elite Gymnastics provided popcorn for the movie. Other donors included Target and Homestead Homes.

“The Faith and Blue event at First Christian Church was a reminder of what truly strengthens our communities – respect, partnership, and compassion,” WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain said after the event. “Law enforcement and the public share the same goal: to make our communities safer and stronger. That begins with trust. When we take the time to connect, listen, and stand beside one another, we find real solutions to the challenges we face. Events like Faith and Blue show that unity between faith, service, and community isn’t just symbolic – it’s the foundation of effective, respectful policing and lasting relationships.”

Over the past weekend and into this week, Faith and Blue events were held across the nation, and across Wyoming, including in Laramie and Gillette. According to the Faith and Blue website, the event was “launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations.”

Trooper Mark Kittleson and WHP Maj. KC Ramsey prepare to donate blood at Faith and Blue.

Photo: WHP

A local child paints a pumpkin at Faith and Blue event in Cheyenne on Oct. 13.

Photo: WHP

Highway Safety Pedestrian safety

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety

October was National Pedestrian Safety Month, which provided a good opportunity to increase pedestrian safety awareness. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Pedestrian Safety Community Resource Guide (October 2025), the highest contributing factors to pedestrian injuries and fatalities include:

• Nighttime – The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark.

• Non-Intersections – Most fatal pedestrian crashes occur at places outside of intersections.

• Impairment – Alcohol use is a significant factor in fatal crashes with nearly half of all crashes resulting in pedestrian fatalities involving either a driver and/or pedestrian having consumed alcohol.

• Hit and Run – Nearly one out of four pedestrians killed in crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers.

• Speed – Pedestrians are particularly high-risk to severe injury and fatality when struck by higher-speed vehicles. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10 percent at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25 percent at 32 mph, 50 percent at 42 mph, 75 percent at 50 mph, and 90 percent at 58 mph. Risks vary significantly by age.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (2020-2024), 408 traffic crashes were pedestrian-involved crashes, which accounts for around 0.6 percent of all crashes. These pedestrian-involved crashes included 135 critical crashes (5.7 percent of all critical crashes) and 273 serious crashes (2.8 percent of all serious crashes).

Of the 428 pedestrians involved in traffic crashes in 2020-2024, 42 were fatally injured (9.8 percent), 94 were suspected to have a serious injury (22 percent), 198 were suspected to have a minor injury (46.3 percent), and the remaining 94 were suspected to have a possible injury (22 percent).

Only 17.4 percent of crashes

involving a critically injured pedestrian were located on a local road. Most crashes involving a critically injured pedestrian occurred on an arterial roadway (57.5 percent) which is designed to serve long distances and facilitate high speed limits. Of the arterial roadway crashes involving a critically injured pedestrian, 27.6 percent were located on an interstate, 51.3 percent were located on a highway, and 21.1 percent occurred on a minor arterial roadway.

For crashes resulting in a pedestrian fatality, the posted speed limit was 40 mph or higher in 71.4 percent of the fatalities and 65 mph or higher in 38.1 percent of the fatalities. The most common speed limits in which a pedestrian fatality occurred were 30 mph (11.9 percent), 40 mph (14.3 percent), 55 mph (9.5 percent), 70 mph (11.9 percent), 75 mph (14.3 percent), and 80 mph (9.5 percent). For crashes resulting in a pedestrian serious injury, the posted speed limit was 35 mph or lower in 64.9 percent of the serious injuries and 40 mph or higher in 28.7 percent of the serious injuries. Most crashes resulting in a pedestrian serious injury were in 30 mph speed limit zones (45.7 percent).

Only 22.8 percent of all critically injured pedestrians were located at an intersection at the time of the crash.

Most critically injured pedestrians (49.3 percent) were in the roadway away from an intersection at the time of the crash. An additional 16.9 percent were located near the roadway (shoulder, roadside, or median) outside a designated walkway at the time of the crash.

Most pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (66.7 percent), with nearly 12 percent occurring in lighted dark conditions and about 57 percent occurring in unlighted dark conditions. Alcohol or drugs were involved in 45.2 percent of crashes resulting in a pedestrian fatality.

To keep everyone safe use extra caution when walking or driving in hard-to-see conditions, follow the speed limit (especially in populated areas), stay out of the roadway and use designated crossings, drive and walk sober, and slow down and move over when encountering vehicles on the roadside or traffic crashes.

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2020-2024 report that:

• Just over 5.7 percent of all critical crashes were pedestrian-involved crashes.

• 31.8 percent of pedestrians were critically injured in traffic crashes.

• Most pedestrian-involved critical crashes occurred on an arterial roadway (57.5 percent) – 27.6 percent were located on an interstate and 51.3 percent were located on a highway.

• 71.4 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred in locations with a speed limit of 40 mph or higher.

• Most critically injured pedestrians (49.3 percent) were in the roadway at the time of the crash.

• 66.7 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark.

• Nearly half (45.2 percent) of the pedestrian fatalities involved alcohol or drugs.

CRASH CATEGORIES:

Critical Crashes – fatal and suspected serious injury crashes.

Serious Crashes – suspected minor injury and possible injury crashes.

Damage Crashes – no apparent injury and injury unknown crashes.

BY THE NUMBERS

Wyoming crash data

October 1, 2025 vs. (October 1, 2024):

Fatalities: 95 (76)

Serious Injuries: 332 (325)

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 27 (15)

Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1)

CMV-Involved Fatalities: 21 (11)

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 14 (7)

Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 12 (20)

Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 5 (4)

Speed-Related Fatalities: 42 (34)

Data current as of 10/15/2025

360-degree Vehicle Walk Around

By Laura Dalles

A new safety campaign, The “360-degree Vehicle Walk-Around” has been deployed in District 4 and will soon be seen throughout WYDOT headquarters and the Districts. This critical pre-trip inspection helps identify potential hazards, enhance safety, and prevent accidents before every drive.

A Vehicle Walk-Around, also known as a “Circle of Safety” check, is a visual inspection of your vehicle and its surroundings. It should be performed before every drive, regardless of the vehicle or equipment type.

How to conduct a walk-around:

• Walk in a complete circle around the vehicle or equipment.

• Scan the surrounding area for potential hazards.

• Examine the vehicle or equipment: look at, under and inside.

What to check for – hazards near and around your vehicle:

• Debris on the ground

• Obstructions (e.g., barriers, poles, curbs)

• Uneven ground or drop-offs

• Pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles

• Overhead hazards and structures

Issues with the vehicle itself:

• Damage or excessive wear on tires

• Fluid leaks or spills

• Open tailgates or compartments

• Unsecured cargo

• Proper trailer connection (if applicable)

• Clear windows and mirrors

• Any items left out, such as tools or cones

• New damage on the vehicle since the last use

Why it’s important:

Taking a moment to perform a walkaround encourages you to pause, focus on your surroundings, and prevent accidents that could arise from changes that occurred while you were away from the vehicle or equipment. This simple check can prevent serious incidents, such as backing accidents.

TechTalk

Don’t let strangers crash your calendar

By Enterprise Technology Services

Did you know your Google Calendar settings might allow others to slip events onto your schedule? A quick check can save you from surprise meetings or spam invites.

• Go to Google Calendar → Settings → Event Settings

• From the drop down “Add invitations to my calendar,” select “When I respond to invitations in my email”

• Review your sharing permissions so only the right people can see or book on your calendar

Recognize and report scams

A simple fix today helps you stay in control of your time – and keeps uninvited guests out of your calendar.

Scammers don’t just target our devices – they target our feelings. Whether it’s excitement, fear, or urgency, strong emotions are their favorite tools to trick you into acting before you think.

Emotional Red Flags

Our inboxes and messages are full of information, but hidden within are scams designed to push us into quick action. If a message sparks sudden emotion – good or bad – that’s your cue to pause and look closer.

Common lures include

• Too good to be true – “You’ve won a dream vacation!” or “You’re owed money.”

• Romance and connection – An “attractive stranger” eager to chat, or a friendly “wrong number” text.

• Fear and urgency – Threats of legal action, claims of compromising photos, or urgent demands from someone posing as your boss.

These tricks aren’t new, but they work because emotions cloud judgment. Recognizing them is the first step to stopping scams in their tracks.

The Golden Rules of Digital Safety

• Do not click Links – even “unsubscribe” buttons – can be traps.

• Report and delete. Use built-in tools to flag suspicious emails or texts, then remove them.

• Don’t respond to strangers. Block and delete unexpected messages, even if they seem polite or harmless.

Staying Ahead of Smarter Scams

With advances in artificial intelligence, scams are becoming even more convincing with fake voices, realistic images, and crafted messages. That makes your emotional intelligence more important than ever.

Take a moment to pause. If something feels too good to be true, or makes you feel pressured, that’s your sign not to engage. Recognize, resist, and report – your quick action protects you, your coworkers, and our state systems.

Photo:

Training

Meet the newest member of the training services team

By Andrew Nofzinger, Training Services

Hello, WYDOT employees! I’m Andrew Nofzinger, and I’m thrilled to be the newest addition to the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Training Services program. My primary responsibilities will include managing the Learning Management System and coordinating both instructor-led and on-demand courses for all employees.

My journey began in August 1994 when I enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over the years, my military career took me to Grand Forks, North Dakota; Ramstein, Germany; and Clovis, New Mexico, before I finally settled in Wyoming in December 2009.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2014, I faced a pivotal career decision: continue in law enforcement or explore a new path. I chose to immerse myself in the world of Information Technology, where I had the privilege of working with several prominent tech companies, gaining experience in IT service and repair, as well as infrastructure.

I’ve come to realize that I have a deep passion for education and for helping individuals acquire knowledge and experiences through training opportunities. This passion drives me to share with you the two major benefits of investing in training.

The first benefit, often the initial thought, is career advancement. Many view training as a “promotion checklist,” believing that by completing certain courses, they’ll automatically move to the next position or grade. While this might hold true in some organizations, it’s not always the case here. At WYDOT, career progression typically occurs through position vacancies or reclassification due to role changes. I can hear your question now: “If a promotion isn’t guaranteed, then what’s the point?”

This brings us to the second, and perhaps more crucial, benefit: employee development. The mission of WYDOT Training Services is to enhance individual performance by fostering, developing, and supporting all WYDOT employees through personal and professional learning opportunities. Personal development helps you become a more well-rounded individual. Professional development, on the other hand, broadens your knowledge within your career field, even if it doesn’t immediately provide raw experience. Pursuing both personal and professional growth will not only make you a more capable individual but can also position you for career advancement as positions become available or are created to meet emerging needs. You want to be the standout job candidate who possesses knowledge, know-how, and enough experience to remain trainable and adaptable.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Throughout my military service, I discovered a passion for teaching and honed my understanding of the Principles of Instruction. Leaning on this experience, I became the senior instructor for Dell Technologies, specializing in data center server management and repair. A few years later, I joined a team of instructors and technical content developers/instructional designers for Dell Technologies, where I further developed my expertise in adult learning theory.

WYDOT TRAINING

To conclude, I’d like to leave you with two important questions: Why are you not pursuing employee development? And for supervisors and managers, are there specific training deficiencies that Training Services could help you address? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Training Services at 307-777-4790 or dot-training@wyo.gov.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Coming in November:

WYDOT TRAINING

Start Date Development Stage Class Description Class Hours Location

11/5/2025 Leading Self Six Secrets to Thinking on Your Feet 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne

11/5/2025 TLN Webinar Advancements In AI for Regular People 12:30 pm-2:30 pm virtual (Practical AI Tools You Can Actually Use!)

11/5/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Resolving Workplace Conflict 8:00am-12:00pm Virtual 11/18/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Coaching: Move People Forward 1:00pm-5:00pm Virtual

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

Nofzinger

District News

Headquarters

New Hires

Megan Arias, Public Affairs; Christine Baker, Highway Safety; Timothy Claywell, Facilities Management-Building Maintenance; Joel Goche, Driver Services-CDL; Aaron Lord, PlanningStatistics/Inventory; Valeria Molina, Geology; Andrew Nofzinger, Training; Larry Petersen, Patrol-Records; Clinton Sumner, Equipment-Mechanics; and Sumerlee Varos, Highway Safety.

Aimee Binning, Emergency Communications-Administration – 5 years;

Katelyn Bristol, PlanningProgramming – 5 years; Jacqueline Croom, IT-Financial Systems – 5 years; and Payton Thomas, Traffic – 5 years.

Retirements

Promotions and Transfers

Charles Isbell III, GIS/ITS; Megan Miller, MVS-Plate Production; and Brian Rentner, Highway DevelopmentEngineering Services.

Service

Awards

Jana Molland, senior accountant with Motor Vehicle Services at Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in September with five years of service.

Adolph Narvais, building and grounds assistant with Facilities at Headquarters, retired in September with 22 years of service.

District 1

New Hires

Christopher Mefford, Rawlins Construction; and Nathanael Wallace, Elk Mountain Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Richard Carpenter, Laramie Traffic-Striping.

Service

Awards

Bryce Sanchez, Cheyenne Construction – 10 years; and Joesh Ingleby, Elk Mountain Maintenance – 5 years.

District 2

New Hires

Danielle Anderson, Driver ServicesCasper; Breanna Bible, Driver ServicesCasper; Robert Mann, Douglas Maintenance; Maika Ostling, Casper Maintenance; and Alan Young, Casper Mechanics.

Duwane Floy, Construction Staff – 30 years; Maria LaBorde, Internal Review – 25 years; Scott Scheidemantel, IT-Financial Systems – 25 years; Tiffanie Young, Patrol-Support Services Operation –25 years; Amy Pittsley, Patrol-Support Services Operation –15 years;

Patrick Ackerman, Rawlins Mechanics; Bronson Fairhurst, Rawlins Maintenance; Eliot Hemenway, Laramie Maintenance;

LaBorde

Promotions and Transfers

Mark Coy, Douglas Construction; Tyller Lookhart, TrafficElectrical; and Bailey Orr, Wheatland Maintenance.

Service Awards

Scott Elliott, Douglas Mechanics –20 years.

Three Casper technicians passed their FOS exams and earned their certificates. From left: Brian Jones – administrative procedures, engines, hydraulics and welding; Zachary Armstrong – rigging; and Toby Bessey – power trains.

Thomas Kuehler, shop foreman at the Torrington Shop, who passed his administrative procedures, engines, rigging and welding Fundamentals of Service tests and achieved Master Technician status.

District 3

New Hires

Harold Baugh II, Rock Springs Maintenance; Jeremy Blatter, Rock Springs Maintenance; Roland Davis, Granger Maintenance; Daniel Jones, Jackson Maintenance; and Shane Stoddard, Kemmerer Maintenance.

Maintenance Engineer

District Construction Engineer Peter Stinchcomb

presented Brad

Promotions and Transfers

Joseph Devuyst, Evanston Maintenance; and Curtis Hunsaker, Traffic-Electrical.

Service Awards

Bert Erickson, Afton Maintenance –20 years; and James Dunford, Granger-Maintenance – 15 years.

Retirements

Barry Flom, project engineer with District 3 construction in Rock Springs, retired in September with 45 years of service. Flom started with WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Highway Department, as a highway engineer associate in Basin. He also served as a project engineer in Cheyenne before moving to engineering work in Rock Springs. He graduated from Powell High School and earned his degrees at Northwest Community College and the University of Wyoming.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Daniel Francom, Casper shop technician, his 1-year Service Award, which he earned in June of 2025.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

District

Tory Thomas (right) presents Staci Erker with her 15-year service award.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Bryant Davis, Wheatland shop technician, who passed his general shop, hydraulics, power trains and welding Fundamentals of Service tests.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Waylon Lym (left) received his 25-year service award from District Construction Engineer Peter Stinchcomb.

Photo:

Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

(left)

McCullough with his 25-year service award.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Coy

Elliott

Orr

Lookhart

District

District 4

New Hires

Tracy Gale, Newcastle Maintenance; Cayden Lund, Buffalo Maintenance; Dione Moon, Port of EntrySundance; and Ty Walker, Sheridan Traffic-Striping.

Promotions

and Transfers

Adam Balthazor, Patrol-Sheridan.

Service Awards

Charity Keierleber, Driver ServicesNewcastle – 20 years; Reese Apland, Hulett Maintenance –10 years; Shawn Schoolcraft, Buffalo Mechanics – 10 years; and Christen Schneider, Gillette Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements

Ben Emery, driver license field examiner with Driver Services in Sheridan, retired in September with four years of service.

Michael Taylor, senior construction and field survey technician with District 4 Construction in Sundance, retired in September with 30 years of service.

Mike Taylor, the Sundance senior con struction and field survey specialist, retired after 35 years with WYDOT. A celebration of his career was held on his last day, Sept. 2. Taylor was gifted a Henry “Golden Boy” .22 lever-action rifle. His calm demeanor, quiet sense of humor and extensive knowledge about all things highway construction-related will be missed.

District 5

New Hires

Irvan McLean, Ten Sleep Maintenance.

Service Awards

Jason Fleming, District 5 Maintenance Staff – 20 years.

Retirements

Brian Pittman, area maintenance supervisor with District 5 in Basin, retired in September with more than 23 years of service. Pittman started with WYDOT as a temporary plow driver with the Laramie crews, focusing on the I-80 Summit. He also spent time as a foreman in Ten Sleep and as a senior staff tech in Basin. Prior to his time with WYDOT, he worked with the Colorado DOT and in trucking. In his spare time, Pittman enjoys being a 4-H shooting leader, active both at the state level and at the county level in Park County.

3 Project Engineer Barry Flom at his retirement party.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Gale

Walker

Lund

Balthazor

Schneider

Apland

Emery

Schoolcraft

Keierleber

Fleming

Pittman

Passings

Thomas W. Brodle

Thomas William Brodle, 79, passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2025, in Casper, Wyo., at Shepherd of the Valley Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

Brodle was born on Aug. 6, 1946, in Forsyth, Mont., and grew up in Colstrip with his seven brothers and sisters. In the early 1960s, his family moved to Riverton, Wyo., where he graduated from Riverton High School in 1964.

Immediately after high school, Brodle enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Uhlmann as a gun fire control technician. He was a proud Vietnam veteran and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service.

Following his military service, Brodle lived in Los Angeles, working for RCA and later joining the Research and Development division at Disney. There, he helped develop systems for several of their theme park attractions – most notably contributing to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. He loved to say with a grin, “I make Mickey Mouse talk.”

He married the love of his life, Gloria Mers, on July 17, 1971. They moved back to Riverton in October 1978, where he worked at Union Carbide until 1983. Brodle later joined Commercial Communications and, in 1994, began working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, where he remained until his retirement from the District 5 Radio Shop in October 2011.

Brodle enjoyed electronics and especially loved working on projects with his brothers. He was actively involved in his church, teaching Sunday School for both children and adults, and participating in numerous Bible study groups. His Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life; he had Psalm 103 fully memorized and lived out his love for Jesus daily.

He had a great sense of humor, a love for desserts, and a passion for going on walks and hikes with Gloria. He took special pride in keeping a well-manicured lawn and ensuring his family took annual vacations and attended family reunions. More than anything, he loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He affectionately called his wife his “little Gloria,” and their 54-year marriage was marked by deep companionship and joy.

Brodle will be remembered for his gentle spirit, sharp wit, strong faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. He leaves

behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Riverton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Help for Health Hospice, in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.

Online condolences for Tom’s family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com

Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton.

Robert A. Lewis

Robert Allen Lewis, 88, passed peacefully at Davis Hospice Center on Oct. 23, 2025. He was born in Concord, New Hamp., Aug. 13, 1937, to Allen and Alda Lewis and graduated from Hopkinton High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he served three years on various aircraft carriers doing radio communications. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Geology and was married to his beloved wife, Barbara Lawler, in 1961.

Lewis was employed with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, and retired after a 28-year career in the Geology Program.

He and Barbara enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV, wintering in Arizona and Alabama. He was a man of many interests and talents. Lewis was an avid runner, biker and mechanic. He loved Alfa Romeo cars, enjoyed gardening, making beer, wine, and pottery, and he was a long-time member of SH-WY Amateur Radio Club. He spent 30 years on the Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade Committee. He loved music, and at 80 years, became a tap dancer.

His granddaughter, Casi Crites, continues his family’s legacy at WYDOT, working as an aviation planner in the Aeronautics Division.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 15 in the chapel of Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.

Memorial donations can be made to the following organizations: Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Davis Hospice Center, or SH-WY Amateur Radio Club (P.O. Box 22483, Cheyenne, WY 82003).

Brodle

Lewis

WTDEA

WTDEA Relief Fund Update

Contributions from WyHy and Cook-Off benefit worthy cause

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Transportation Department Employee Association’s Relief Fund benefitted substantially from two sources in recent weeks.

In mid-October, representatives from WyHY Federal Credit Union stopped by the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Headquarters with a donation check for $2,500.

Established in 1953 by seven Wyoming Highway Department employees with $5 each, WyHy has since expanded to over 20,000 members and five branches throughout Wyoming.

The credit union, whose membership is open to “anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the great State of Wyoming,” has made generous donations to WTDEA’s Relief Fund for many years, and WYDOT is grateful for their continued support.

The WTDEA Relief Fund also received a boost from a Crock Pot Cook-Off on the WYDOT Cheyenne campus. The event, which included a 50/50 raffle, raised $621.

There were nine entries in this year’s cook-off. The Best in Show award, as determined by the event’s 97 attendees, was a southwest soup brought in by Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jordan Young.

The WTDEA Relief Fund program allows active Wyoming Department of Transportation employees experiencing a sudden financial crisis or hardship to apply for up to $1,500 in assistance, contingent upon approval from the Relief Fund Board.

If you have any questions about the Relief Fund program, to apply for assistance, or if you’d like to make a contribution, please contact a WTDEA representative from the HQ chapter, or visit the WTDEA Relief Fund page on the intranet: https://employees. dot.state.wy.us/home/wtdea/state-board-information.html.

Members of WyHy present the WTDEA with $2,500 for the Employee Relief Fund. Pictured from left: WTDEA member/ WyHy Chairperson Pam Fredrick, WYDOT Director Darin Westby, WyHy President/CEO Bill Willingham III, WyHy Member Services Manager/WTDEA member Heidi Culek, WTDEA Vice President Chris Fisher, WTDEA Treasurer Audrey Hobbs and WTDEA President Justin Mordahl.

2025 Relief Fund Cook-Off champ

Thank you to those who attended the WTDEA Relief Fund CookOff. The event was attended by 97 people and raised $621 for the Relief Fund including $40 dollars in donations.

The 2025 best in show was the southwest soup made by Jordan Young (#7) with Public Affairs. Congratulations Jordan!

The event wouldn’t be possible without the donated food and time of the cooks and the assistance of volunteers from the WTDEA Headquarters Chapter and Facilities Maintenance team.

2025 Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat

Volunteers come together for successful outing

By Mark Horan

On Oct. 18, roughly 280 young witches and robots stopped by the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat on WYDOT’s main campus in Cheyenne. This is the seventh year that the event has been put on for the Cheyenne community.

Volunteers from a variety of organizations came together to plan, promote and put on this annual activity. This year’s Festival was made possible through the following groups:

Wyoming Transportation Department Employee Association and Facilities Maintenance; WyHy Federal Credit Union – generous donation to purchase candy and “Alice In Wonderland” trunk; Wyoming Air National Guard – military display vehicles and “Monsters Inc.”; WYDOT Procurement – “Candyland” and winner of best decorated trunk; WYDOT Financial Services – “KPop Demon Hunters”; WYDOT Right of Way – “KPop Derpy” handed out ramen noodles to all the kids; Port

of Entry – “Harry Potter”; WYDOT Local Government – “Coolsville” and bike helmet donation; Northmen Exotics reptile store – “Tropical”; WYDOT Public Affairs and Human Resources Division – “Farm” trunk; Wyoming Game and Fish – WGandF; Hurst Trucking – “Scary Face”; Star Wars Stormtroopers 501st group; Wyoming Military Department Child and Youth Program – haunted trailer; WYDOT Maintenance – Snowplow; Visit Cheyenne – Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley; Wyoming

From left: Procurement Services Assistant Manager Mariah Abeyta, Procurement Buyer Ruth Crockett and Procurement Buyer Robyn Eifert proudly display the traveling trophy for best decorated trunk.

Photo: Alexis Taylor/WYDOT

Photo:

Highway Patrol –

Tpr. Mark Kittelson handed out 200 Hot Wheels cars from his patrol vehicle donated by Charles Cordier from WYDOT’s Bridge Program. (As one would imagine, this was particularly popular with the kids.); Special thanks to Ranch Eats and Kiss My Asada food trucks.

The public was asked to bring non-perishable and canned food items for admission. Multiple boxes of food were donated to the Salvation Army, who were on hand at the festival to hand out treats and accept red kettle donations.

At this year’s Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat, WYDOT’s Procurement Office rode the sweet path to victory with their “Candyland” themed trunk.

Right of Way specialist and WTDEA representative Erin Blackman expressed her gratitude to the many individuals re-

sponsible for this year’s Fall Festival.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and generosity to put on an activity like this, and I’m tremendously appreciative of everyone who helped out,” Blackman said.

Blackman went on to add that she was happy to see good turnout from the public, despite the cold and wind at the beginning of the day.

“The sun eventually came out and warmed things up, so it was all good,” Blackman said. “We raised a lot of donations, and everyone seemed to have fun, so it was a win all around.”

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

WYDOT Motor Vehicle Services rave on social media

RAVE to the lovely people at the WYDOT vehicle and license dept. Not the people at the county but the people at WYDOT, specifically Kristy (Watson) and Brayden (Taylor). My husband went in to get a status on his disabled veteran plate application. They were courteous and friendly, looked him up and discovered the county had spelled his name wrong on the application so he never got the email saying they were ready at the county. WYDOT gave us the plate number and who to talk to at the county should there be an issue. They were extremely helpful.

Kimberly Chernogorec via Cheyenne Rants, Raves and Community Reviews etc. on Facebook

Shanda Rice, Megan Miller receive thanks

I can’t thank you enough for your help with the license plates for the NEMA Conference!

I know they will be a big hit with all of the state directors from across the nation.

Thanks for helping us represent and share our Wyoming pride!

Lynn Budd, Wyoming Director of Homeland Security

WYDOT employees continue to shine

I’m writing this email to commend the Wallace Perrote and John Farr. I lost my wallet with my credit cards in Lander, Wyoming after fueling up my truck. We were on our way back to Florida from your beautiful state. I made several calls to local law enforcement agencies as well as the gas station I last fueled up at in an attempt to locate my wallet with negative results.

On Sept. 30 I received a phone call from my former employer at Hernando County Sheriff’s Office informing me they received a phone call from Perrote with Lander Maintenance advising he had located my wallet with my credit cards.

Perrote and John Farr, also with Lander Maintenance, performed their duties and with an unwavering commit ment, researched the information they had found and were able to track me down.

I had written off my wallet but thanks to your two honest employees, I just received my wallet your Agency returned to me.

It goes without saying I’m very grateful for these two individuals.

These individuals should be recognized for their honesty and integrity!

Cpl. Richard Johnson (Ret.)

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office

Highway has changed for the better

Dear Sir,

I contacted your agency in May of 2025 to complain about the road conditions of Highway 387 north of Edgerton. At that time it was a horrible, even dangerous, route to travel.

But I recently drove that road again and found it much improved with a new, smooth surface. It is now a safe and pleasant hiway (sic) to drive. Thank you for repairing and improving this road.

Sincerely,

Virgil Anderson

Kudos for the 511 Travel map upgrade

Vince (Garcia),

Not sure if it is your team, but great job on the updated travel map. I was just updating our winter weather information for the public and happened to click on it. I really like the light/dark mode. Keep up the great work!

Rich Ochs, Emergency Manager Teton County Emergency Management

WTDEA Raffle

By Mark Horan and Larry Pavone

Four heavy equipment operators from Wyoming Department of Transportation competed at the

Western Snow & Ice Conference and National Snow Roadeo in Loveland, Colo., Sept. 24-26. Congratulations to all! Way to represent WYDOT and Ride for the Brand!

With a time of 4 minutes, 9 seconds,

finished 37 out of 83 contestants.

in fifth in the Motor

lenge with an almost perfect score. Thirty-nine contestants competed in this event.

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Wheatland Maintenance Technician Noble Hoover placed second runner up in the Skid Steer Challenge.

Noble

Photo: WYDOT

Thermopolis Maintenance Technician Bill Knighton and South Pass Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Maynard competed in the Tandem Truck Challenge. They placed 43 out of 69 people with a time of 5 minutes, 25 seconds.

Photo: WYDOT

Cheyenne Maintenance Specialist Brad Parsons came

Grader Chal-

Photo: WYDOT

GO WILD WITH NEW PLATES!

Duard Dilday, with Cheyenne Maintenance Staff, owns this classic beauty. It’s a 1961 Buick LeSabre with airbag suspension and a Cammed 364, NailHead V8. Dilday had asked his dad what a “poor teenager” would do in 1961 to customize their cars, since they couldn’t afford new cars with nice shiny wheels and big race engines. “He told me to study the cars in the movie American Graffiti. So I ditched the hubcaps, got some chrome rings and caps for the wheels, threw on a set of glasspack mufflers, put a performance camshaft in it and slammed it to the ground poor boy “greaser” style. No sweater vests – jeans and tees only!”

Photo: Duard

Dilday

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Time

Wyoming Department of Transportation

5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

Address Service Requested